Council reviews repeal/replace of Local Law 186 to adopt new FEMA maps; staff outlines CRS cost/benefit

The Common Council committee reviewed a staff proposal to repeal and replace Local Law 186 (Flood Damage Prevention) to adopt newly released FEMA flood hazard maps and update floodplain development standards.

Planning director and staff explained the change is required for the city to remain a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). “This local law must be adopted and sent with documentation that's adopted to DEC by May 19, which is 30 days before the effective date of the maps, which is June 18,” staff told the committee. The staff memo warned that a failure to adopt the local law would cause immediate suspension from the NFIP, which provides federally backed flood insurance to property owners in the 100‑year floodplain.

Staff described the local law as largely aligning municipal regulations with FEMA/DEC minimum standards while adding clarified definitions (accessory structure, crawl space, substantial damage) and reorganizing…